How to sell your ideas like a motivational speaker

Motivational speakers are very persuasive people. What makes them so effective at selling their ideas, and how can that apply to you? Open Forum offers some ways to get your ideas heard. Here’s an example:

To be heard, first hear. While speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., I became painfully aware that everyone was more interested in being heard than hearing the perspectives of others. How can you be heard in this environment? Listen. Appreciate their point of view, even if you don’t agree with it. People can sense when you are not open to what they are saying and will thus be less inclined to hear you. Acknowledge differences in opinion and appreciate others’ perspectives.